Today, Holub, 27, was handed a life sentence with a minimum 20-year term after admitting murder, child neglect and child cruelty.

Meanwwhile Lakova got five years after admitting allowing the death of a child and neglect.

NEWSTEAM

HOUSE OF HORRORS: Where poor Santino was strangled during a catalogue of abuse

Commenting on the investigation, Detective Inspector Justin Spanner, of West Midlands Police told how the it was critical people reported images which could be cause for concern.

"Santino was supposed to be in a safe environment and in the care of his own family.

"The couple claimed that either the spirit of Lackova's grandmother, who had died a short time ago, or the death of the woman who occupied their flat before them, had come back to injure Santino.

“The agony that this young boy must have endured over his short life is truly dreadful.”

Detective Inspector Justin Spanner

"We know from our inquiries that the pair had shared photos of Santino's injuries on their Facebook accounts and claimed the ghosts had caused them.

"Unfortunately no one ever came forward to report concerns around these images.

"I would like this case to serve as a reminder to people that if they have concerns over a child's welfare please report it to police so we can put the necessary checks in place to make sure they are safe.

"The death of one so young is always tragic but the agony that this young boy must have endured over his short life is truly dreadful.

"We can only take comfort in the fact that Tereza Lackova and Marek Holub are behind bars for a significant period."